Preview: We Will Eat Rats to Survive

The impossible strangeness doesn’t end with the name—Chicago’s We Will Eat Rats to Survive released “Don’t Crochet on My Parade” last fall, a bizarro whirlwind of clanging guitars, howled vocals and, of all things, banjo, which recalls early, spastic (and good) Modest Mouse and a whole load of freak-folky recluses. It sounds like a gypsy train-car, on its way to the next circus town. The band’s already seen itself make the cut on multiple “Worst Band Name” lists, but hell, I think the name’s great. “We think it’s hilarious,” says multi-instrumentalist and singer Chris Stryker. “If anything it’s the best thing we have so far.” The group’s alarming ability to conjure dustbowl freaks is a unique complement to the city’s successful garage-rock and indie-pop units—and the influences make sense, though sonically opposite (Stryker cites They Might Be Giants as a major influence, guitarist Rob Majchrowski mentions Operation Ivy). I wouldn’t call it experimental—there are hooks and melodies to be found here—but the enigmatic nature of the pokes and prodding has kept me distracted on more than one occasion. (Tom Lynch)

We Will Eat Rats to Survive plays January 30 at Beat Kitchen, 2100 West Belmont, (773)281-4444, at 7pm. $8